Maine Coon cats are known for their stunning beauty and large size. If you’re curious about how tall they can grow, you’ll be pleased to know that Maine Coons are among the tallest domestic cat breeds in the world. Male Maine Coons typically reach a height of 10-16 inches, while females are slightly smaller at 8-14 inches. Their thick fur adds to their overall appearance of height. Due to their heritage, Maine Coons are physically larger than most other cat breeds. Both male and female Maine Coons will grow to be tall. Before bringing a Maine Coon kitten home, it’s important to do research on their breed qualities and physical traits. The Maine Coon has a mysterious history, with folktales suggesting they are descendants of Viking cats or have raccoon DNA, although the latter has been debunked by scientists. While their origin remains unknown, one thing is certain: Maine Coons are massive cats, weighing up to 25 pounds. Compared to a normal cat that typically reaches a height of 9-10 inches, Maine Coons can range from 8-16 inches, depending on their gender. Male Maine Coons are usually taller than females, but there are exceptions where a female Maine Coon can be taller than a male. However, this is not common.
Male Maine Coon Height In CM, Inches, And Feet
To determine the maximum size of your Maine Coon cat, refer to the chart below which shows the height in both centimeters and inches for male Maine Coons at different ages:
Newborn: 37.6 cm / 14.8 inches
1 week: 8.8 cm / 3.5 inches
1 month: 11.4 cm / 4.5 inches
6 months: 21.5 cm / 8.5 inches
9-12 months: 35.5-40.6 cm / 14-16 inches
4-5 years: 25.4-40.6 cm / 10-16 inches
This chart provides an estimate of the maximum height a male Maine Coon can reach at various stages of their life.
Female Maine Coon Height
The table below displays the heights of female Maine Coon cats at different ages. The heights are given in centimeters, inches, and feet for easy reference.
Age Height (inches) Height (cm) Height (feet)
Newborn 37.6 20.25 1.69
1 Week 3.5 8.89 0.74
1 Month 4 10.16 0.85
3 Months 7 17.78 1.48
9-12 Months 8-14 20.32-35.56 1.69-2.96
4-5 Years 8-14 20.32-35.56 1.69-2.96
The size chart above provides the average heights that female Maine Coon kittens or cats can reach when fully grown at around 3-5 years old. To give you an idea of their impressive height, here are some everyday objects that are approximately the same height as a Maine Coon cat at different ages: a can of soup for newborns, a toilet paper roll for 1-month-olds, five toothpicks for 6-month-olds, and a bowling pin for 4-5-year-olds.
Maine Coon Size Compared To Normal Cat
Maine Coon cats are known for their impressive size compared to regular cats. While the average house cat grows to about 10 inches in height, Maine Coons can reach a height of 8 to 16 inches. This difference in size is due to the unique characteristics of the Maine Coon breed. Unlike most cat breeds that have been domesticated for many generations, Maine Coons have only recently been domesticated. This means that they still retain some of their wild traits, such as excellent hunting skills and a thick, semi-water-repellent fur coat. Their physique is built for strength, with muscular bodies, round paws, large tufted ears, and long shaggy fur. Additionally, Maine Coons have a more rectangular body shape compared to regular cats. These distinctive features contribute to their larger size and unique appearance.
What Is The Biggest A Maine Coon Cat Can Get?
The size of a Maine Coon cat can vary depending on factors like lineage and gender. On average, Maine Coon cats grow to be around 19-40 inches long, 8-16 inches tall, and weigh between 8-25 lbs. However, there have been some exceptional cases. The longest recorded Maine Coon, named Stewie, measured a remarkable 48.5 inches in length. In terms of weight, the largest Maine Coon on record is Ludo, weighing in at 34 lbs. While most Maine Coons don’t exceed 25 lbs, these examples show that there can be exceptional individuals that surpass the average size.
At What Age Is A Maine Coon Cat Fully Grown?
Maine Coon cats reach their maximum size between the ages of 3 and 5 years. The most significant growth spurt occurs before they are 9-10 months old, so their size at this stage can give you an idea of their eventual size. While they may gain some weight, they won’t necessarily become longer or taller. However, if your cat still has oversized paws and ears, they might surprise you by growing even bigger than anticipated.
How Much Is A Maine Coon Cat?
Before making the decision to get a Maine Coon kitten, it is crucial to take a moment to assess your readiness both financially and emotionally for the responsibility that comes with it.
Medical Bills
Maine Coons can be quite expensive to care for, especially when it comes to medical expenses. For instance, we received a quote of $8,500 from a cat surgeon for a single hip replacement for our Maine Coon in 2022. There is also a possibility that he may require another hip replacement in the future.
Although our Maine Coon doesn’t currently require hip replacements, our pet insurance company has already decided not to cover these potential bills since our insurance for the year has expired. This experience has taught us the importance of purchasing lifetime coverage for our Maine Coon cats going forward. While it may be more costly, it can provide much-needed protection against potentially crippling medical expenses.
High Social Needs
Maine Coon cats are highly social and require a lot of human interaction. It is recommended to get two Maine Coon kittens so they can keep each other company. Alternatively, if you have a job that requires you to be away from home for extended periods of time, it may not be the best fit for owning a Maine Coon.
Food
If you are dedicated to providing your Maine Coon cat with the highest quality diet, which is rich in protein, you should be prepared for the significant monthly expenses associated with their food.
Maine Coon Purchase Cost
The cost of a large Maine Coon cat can range from $400 to $2500 USD when purchasing from a reputable breeder. The price may vary based on factors like pedigree, medical records, coat color, and age.
Other Costs
Here are some additional expenses to consider when owning a Maine Coon cat: annual veterinary bills, food, grooming equipment, litter, scratching posts, Maine Coon cat toys, insurance, and flea treatment.
Why Not Adopt A Maine Coon?
Yes, Maine Coon cats are definitely worth it! If you’re interested in having a Maine Coon as a pet but don’t want to pay a high price for a kitten, consider adopting one instead. Many Maine Coons end up in shelters, so you may be able to find a Maine Coon or a Maine Coon mix that is waiting to be rescued. It may take some time and patience, but it’s worth the effort to give a loving home to a Maine Coon in need. Additionally, some animal welfare organizations even provide basic care, such as vaccinations, deworming, and spaying/neutering. You can find more information about Maine Coon adoption and browse Maine Coon rescue centers by US state.
Conclusion
Here is a comprehensive response to the inquiry about the maximum height of a Maine Coon cat, along with a helpful guide on how to measure your Maine Coon’s height as it grows. Regardless of whether your Maine Coon turns out to be big, medium, or small, one thing remains certain: these cats have incredibly large hearts.
Related Questions
How Big Will A Half Maine Coon Cat Get?
The size of a Maine Coon mix is difficult to determine as it will depend on the size of the other parent. In general, purebred Maine Coons tend to be larger than mixed breeds. If the other parent is smaller in size, it is likely that the cat will have more modest genetics and be smaller in size as well.
What Size Cat Carrier For A Maine Coon?
For optimal comfort during travel, it is recommended to choose an extra-large cat carrier for your Maine Coon. This will allow your cat to easily stand, sit, and turn around. It is suggested that the carrier be approximately one and a half times the size of your Maine Coon.
Do All Maine Coons Get Big?
No, genetic factors and health issues can affect the growth of a cat. This includes dwarfism, illnesses, poor diet, and nutrient deficiencies. The smallest kitten in a litter, known as the ‘runt’, may not grow as large as its siblings.
